Match Preview: Arsenal vs Chelsea

Kick Off Time 7:45pm

Team News

Arsenal

• Jack Wilshere was deemed fit enough to make the bench at the weekend and could be in contention to start.
• Wenger may have liked to rest the injury prone midfielder for longer but Mathieu Flamini's return from a head injury was short-lived as he was forced off against Palace with a groin problem and Mikel Arteta is suspended having been sent off in the same game.
• Arsenal fielded an extremely youthful side in the last round against West Brom and it remains to be seen just how seriously they will take this match against top class opposition.

Chelsea

• Ashley Cole returned from injury at the weekend but may not be fit enough to play twice in such quick succession so he could miss out against his former club.
• Fernando Torres is another one of those that may be rested after his match-winning exertions against Manchester City at the weekend, while the likes of Ramires and Terry could also drop to the bench.
• The likes of Eto'o, Willian and Mikel should all get the chance to stake a claim for more regular first team action, with Juan Mata also set for a recall.

Prediction

• With the prospect of facing Liverpool, Dortmund and United all in the next fortnight it is the hosts who are more likely to rest players in this cup clash, with Chelsea having fielded a strong side at Swindon in the last round.
• After a demanding game at the weekend Mourinho is still likely to rest a number of players but he arguably has the strongest squad in England at his disposal so an understrength Chelsea side would likely be favourites against an understrength Arsenal one.
• Nevertheless, this game is likely to be extremely close as the hosts will want to keep their confidence up going into such a tough run of fixtures. However, Wenger will be the keener of the two managers to avoid extra-time so this could be a real chance for the Blues to knock out a rival in the cup.

Prediction:

Arsenal

1

2

Chelsea